10 Indoor Activities for Antsy Kids

We know how hard it is on kids (and parents) to be cooped up during the winter months.

We’ve found 10 local businesses that specialize in indoor activities to help children expend all that built-up energy:

Wacky Tacky. Providing a world of imagination and discovery, this popular 7000 square foot indoor obstacle course and playground is open for playtime seven days a week unless the play area is reserved for a private party. Check out the website calendar for more information and open playtimes. For more information, visit wackytacky.net.

STAR Eco Station. Voted “Best Museum” by Style readers, the STAR Eco Station is an environmental science museum, an exotic wildlife rescue center, and reserve for endangered and illegally trafficked exotic animals confiscated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Kids (and parents) can experience amazing hands-on lessons in ecology and environmentalism through a breathtaking encounter with rare birds, exotic reptiles and ocean life in a tropical jungle setting. Environmental partnerships enhance the station with discovery exhibits such as a life-sized Storm Drain, walk-through Kelp Forest and an Endangered Species display. Visit ecostation.org for more information and museum hours.

Color Me Mine. Now located in the Palladio, Color me Mine in Folsom provides creative kids a literal haven from the storms that frequent our area during winter. Choose from numerous figurines, piggybanks, plaques, and other paintable pottery and watch your child create a lasting piece of art without making a mess of your house. Visit colormeminefolsom.com for more information.

Bounce U. Open Bounce sessions are inflatable parties that take place every week. Enjoy music, games, snacks, and – of course – a whole lot of bouncing. Our friendly, experienced staff is always on-hand to supervise and keep the good times rolling. Kids aged 7 and under can experience the inflatable party too— Bounce U’s Preschool Playdate program provides young children a great opportunity to laugh, socialize, get some exercise, be themselves, and go a little wild. Visit bounceu.com for more information and Open Bounce times.

Creative Arts & Music Center. Located on 2 1/2 pristine acres in the heart of Granite Bay, the center offers art classes for kids; catering to preschooler, youth, and teen age groups. Originally the Joe Rodgers’ family ranch, classes are held in the remodeled farmhouse, and private music lessons take place in modern rooms in the house and original barn. Party packages and One Day Workshops are also available for a single day of fun. Visit creativeartsandmusiccenter.org for more information.

Crazy Climbers. Opened in Roseville in October 2012, a girlfriend of mine dubbed this Indoor Fun Center as “The best $5 she ever spent.” With almost 3000 square feet, a 16-foot high three level play structure, hand-powered train system, foam ball shooting arena, a 17-foot high inflatable Castle/Slide, 24-foot long inflatable obstacle course, and a toddler area, Crazy Climbers has something for everyone. All of the activities are geared towards health and fitness. Your child, family member, or friend will be constantly moving through each of the two large arenas in the 11,000 square foot air-conditioned building. For more information visit crazyclimbers.net.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Billed as the Ultimate 3-D Play Experience, Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, the creator of the world's first all-trampoline, walled playing court- perfect for just about any age, shape or physical ability. Providing an effective combination of fun and fitness that anyone can participate in, Sky Zone’s sole purpose is to “provide unparalleled, unmatched, and out-of-this-world fun.” With open jump, parties, and programs such as SkyRobics 4 Kids, SkyZone has something for kids of any age and ability. And while the kids play, parents can get their bounce on too- a workout for the whole family at one place! Visit sacramento.skyzonesports.com for more info.

Roller King. A local institution (family owned and operated since 1977), Roller King has been a host to families, schools, churches, birthday parties, canned food drives, holiday parties, fundraisers, girl scout troops, P.E. classes, adult nights, dances, lock-ins, and countless other group activities for the surrounding Roseville community. Fun fact: Roller-skating is a recognized activity for the Presidential Sports Award by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sport. Visit rollerkingroseville.com for more information and open-skate times.

Folsom Lake Bowl. With their 50-year Grand Re-opening, Folsom Lake Bowl premiered changes to just about everything including new manager, Jay Ahlquist. Adding to the list: new furniture featuring VIP couches, new lanes, new floors, new lighting, a new front desk, Todd Adams Pro Shop, new parking lot, new landscaping, Lucky’s Barber Shop and much more. What hasn’t changed- the facility’s ability to provide entertainment for the entire family, with parties, glow bowling, food and fun. Visit folsomlakebowl.com for more info.

Mike Shellito Indoor Pool. Who says kids have to stay bundled up all winter? Open yearlong, the Mike Shellito Indoor Pool is a state of the art facility that includes an 8-lane, 25-yard pool with depths between 3.5 - 8.5 feet. There is an additional 1,500 square foot warm water pool with depths up to 5 feet deep, perfect for younger children. Programs at this facility include a variety of water fitness programs, swimming lessons, lap swimming, land fitness, recreational swimming, and special events such as birthday parties. Call (916) 774-5957 for more information.